By Atma Tattva Das
In a groundbreaking move, Bhakti Theatre (BT), an affiliate of ISKCON Durban, recently stepped onto a broader stage, participating in the Playhouse Company’s 2023 Community Arts Festival (CAF). This marks a significant shift from their traditional performances confined to the annual Durban Festival of Chariots or designated temple spaces. The move to engage with the public space reflects a bold initiative to share Krishna-conscious stories beyond the confines of the Hare Krishna community.
Bhakti Theatre was inspired by the energetic Bhaktimarga Swami, who has staged grand productions at the Durban Festival of Chariots since 2000. Bhakti Theatre was established in 2015 to facilitate devotees’ enthusiasm to perform Krishna-conscious stories through theatre.
When submitting their proposal to the CAF, Bhakti Theatre had already staged 27 productions. Rasa-sthali Dasi, the Managing Director of BT, Rukmini Dasi, the Creative Director of BT, and ISKCON South Africa’s Minister of Outreach envisioned a broader reach for these impactful performances.
The 2023 CAF journey began with the annual effort at the Durban Festival of Chariots, where Bhaktimarga Swami staged “The Gita.” The cast consisted of an eclectic group of devotees from various provinces and showcased a production usually exclusive to this once-off spectacle. However, recognizing the need to break free from these sectarian boundaries, the theater collective sought to transcend cultural barriers and engage with a more diverse audience.
Bhakti Theatre’s decision to participate in the Playhouse Company’s developmental exercise, facilitated by the South African Government’s Department of Arts and Culture, marks a revolutionary act giving them access to an exclusive skill-share with Tony Award winner Dr. Mbongeni Ngema. The Playhouse Company, nestled in Durban, is a cultural institution with a rich history. It receives public funding and is committed to representing diverse cultural groups in KwaZulu-Natal, aligning with Bhakti Theatre’s vision of reaching a wider audience.
This move is particularly significant against the backdrop of South Africa’s history, where theater played and still plays a crucial role in articulating the struggle against apartheid. Bhakti Theatre’s adaptation of Krishna-conscious concepts to resonate with and through African stories showcases a deep understanding of local sensitivities, making it a powerful tool for sharing the all-inclusive Krishna-conscious message.
Read more: https://iskconnews.org/bhakti-theatre-takes-center-stage-a-revolutionary-step-in-sharing-krishna-consciousness/
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